BRDE invests R$1 billion in photovoltaic projects

O BRDE (Regional Development Bank of the Far South) announced that has already invested almost R$1 billion em photovoltaic projects from January 2019 to the first half of this year. In Paraná alone, for example, it was R$334 million.

“In view of the consumer market's concern with ESG practices, companies with solar energy can participate in negotiations with large companies, which also results in an increase in revenue for them, synergy and a partnership that fits the bank's purpose , the use of credit as a common good”, explained Wilson Bley Lipski, president of BRDE.

The companies Veneto Gelato, from Colombo, and Aquarius Panificadora e Confeitaria, from Curitiba, are part of those that have adopted solar energy with financing from BRDE.

When analyzing the advantages of installing solar panels in his company, Ricardo Ehler, owner of Veneto, decided to invest in the project. “It’s an easy calculation to do. All this investment during the payment period reduces consumption from the electricity grid and guarantees almost 20 years of energy generation, which will not come out of pocket”, he highlighted.

BRDE renewable contracts

Currently, around 30% of BRDE's clean and renewable energy contracts are for photovoltaic energy projects. “As of 2018, the demand for photovoltaic energy has increased significantly. Generally, those who invest are companies that spend more on energy, they make this investment to reduce costs”, analyzed Thaís Paola Grandi, New Business Manager at BRDE.

She added that, in addition, the Banco do Agricultor Paranaense contributed to greater demand in the sector, as well as public policies to encourage sustainability, which some municipalities have.

Farmer's Bank

According to the state government, the Banco do Agricultor Paranaense is one of the main public projects aimed at sustainability, cost reduction and market competitiveness for rural producers in Paraná.

In this case, the Ministry grants economic subsidies to farmers in several areas, including the installation of solar energy equipment, paying all or part of the interest.

Since its launch, in April 2021, until August this year, the renewable energy line formalized 875 projects in financial institutions, worth more than R$150 million. For these, the government assumed the payment of R$37,7 million in interest.

BRDE alone financed 272, totaling R$35,8 million in new plates spread across Paraná. In the projects that were entered into BRDE, the state paid off R$6,5 million with equalization.

“Energy is an increasingly relevant input in agricultural processes, representing a large part of the costs of the activity, which is why the state decided to take advantage of this inexhaustible source and stimulate generation on the farm itself”, said Norberto Ortigara, Secretary of State for Agriculture and of Supply.